R 051956Z SEP 13
ALCOAST 370/13
COMDTNOTE 1754
SUBJ: SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
1. September is Suicide Prevention Month. Every year we lose members
of the Coast Guard family to suicide. Although it is difficult to
know why people end their own lives, some of the reasons include not
knowing where to go for help, the stigma of reaching out, and
neglecting personal and family social, psychological, and spiritual
fitness. Suicide is preventable. By taking action when it is
uncomfortable and by developing and maintaining personal and family
resilience, suicidal behavior can be stopped.
2. Individually, you can build resilience by becoming involved with
events or activities that you value and enjoy. These activities might
include spending time with loved ones, mentoring others, becoming
active in your local community, participating in personally
meaningful activities, and developing new interests or hobbies.
Family strength may be bolstered by seeing a counselor, learning
meditation, cooking together, developing a fitness routine, and
volunteering to help others. These types of activities improve our
ability to cope with the stress of everyday life and are considered
protective factors that can reduce the prospects of depression and,
ultimately, suicide.
3. In addition to building personal and family strength, it is
important to learn to identify and respond to suicidal signs. Family
members, close friends, shipmates, and commanders may be in the best
position to identify harmful thoughts or behaviors and offer help. A
few common behaviors that suggest an individual may be considering
suicide are: withdrawal, anger, mood changes, increase or misuse of
alcohol and drugs, feelings of being trapped or hopeless, or loss of
lifes meaning.
4. There are many sources of help for people having suicidal thoughts
and for those dealing with a suicidal loved one. If there is an
immediate chance of someone hurting themself or if someone has
attempted suicide, treat it as a medical emergency and call 911.
Asking for help is a sign of strength. For information about suicide
and resources for those in need of help, consider these programs and
services:
A. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800-273-TALK
at
any time. Speak with someone who can help you talk about your
situation and identify resources. For more information go to:
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
B. CG SUPRT: Call 855-CGSUPRT (855-247-8778) at any time. This
is
the Coast Guard Employee Assistance Program, available to assist
active duty members, SELRES, civilian employees, and their family
members with all kinds of issues such as financial matters,
relationship discord, and other stressors that could be leading to
suicidal thoughts. CG SUPRT can assist in an emergency, providing
counseling, and helping you obtain resources. Additional information
and resources are available at: www.cgsuprt.com
C. Contact a Coast Guard medical clinic, Employee Assistance
Program Coordinator, or Chaplain. Their contact information can be
found at
http://www.uscg.mil/worklife/suicide(underscore)prevention.asp
D. For additional information about suicide and Coast Guard
policies on suicide prevention and other Work-Life matters, go to
http://www.uscg.mil/worklife.
5. Commanding officers/officers-in-charge are strongly encouraged to
use this message as a starting point for unit discussion and
education on this topic. Contact the Employee Assistance Program
Coordinator in your District Health, Safety, and Work-Life (HSWL)
office. POCs for additional resources are: the EAP Program Manager,
Lisa Teems, Lisa.A.Teems(at)uscg.mil or 202-475-5157 and HSWL Service
Center Work-Life Deivision Chief CDR Jerald Mahlau-Heinert,
Jerald.L.Mahlau-Heinert(at)uscg.mil or 757-628-4795.
6. CAPT Joel Rebholz, Acting Director of Health, Safety, and
Work-Life, sends.
7. Internet Release Authorized.